elphin local area plan 2009 - 2015 - Roscommon County Council

Chapter 10: Development Management Guidelines and Standards
Tourism developments will need to take the following into consideration:
• The provision of well researched, justified and imaginative integrated projects which include a
realistic combination of the following:
o Hotel facilities including conference and leisure facilities.
o Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, e.g. golf, swimming, equestrian activities.
o European park style caravan / self contained / chalet accommodation.
o Entertainment facilities.
o Tourist related leisure facilities including walking and cycling.
• they do not contravene the Landscape Protection Development Policies,
• they relate sympathetically to the scale and level of activity in the locality,
• they will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside,
• they will not result in detrimental impact on road safety or the free flow of traffic and will not
require improvements which would detract from the character of rural areas,
• they will not have an adverse impact on the character or siting of settlements or the amenity of
existing residents.
• they will not have adverse impact on sites of nature conservation value or archaeological
importance or structures of architectural or historic interest,
• any new dwellings associated with tourism development are of a good standard of design and are
sympathetic to the landscape in terms of their siting and materials.
10.17.1 Rural Tourism
While seeking to ensure that most tourism development locates in or close to towns and villages, the
Council recognises that by its nature, some tourism development may require other locations. Such
development may be acceptable if it accords with Landscape Protection Policies and provides a range of
facilities which would also be made available to the local community.
10.17.2 Caravan and Camping Parks
Design and layout must be of a high standard with an emphasis on innovation to provide an integrated
design concept linking residential units to well located communal areas, on-site facilities and amenities.
Reference should be made to Bord Failte’s ‘Guidelines for Development of Caravan and Camping Sites’
(1982) and any updates.
Where additions, to or infilling on existing caravan parks or sites are considered, the County Council will
apply the following standards:
• a comprehensive landscaping scheme must form an integral part of site development. Sites should
be located to take advantage of existing natural screening. New planting should be designed to
reinforce existing landscape features including hedgerows, woodlands, trees and shrubs.
Landscaping proposals should provide for generous planting in groups and zones using
indigenous species. The scheme should be prepared by a qualified and competent person;
• parks and sites must connect to existing water and wastewater treatment infrastructure where this
is available without placing unsustainable demands on these services;
• private wastewater treatment infrastructure must meet the County Council’s planning and
environmental protection standards and criteria. An adequate daily supply of potable water and
water storage must be provided to service each unit. Sanitary facilities and/or permanent
dwellings should not be located within 9 metres of any pitch. Sites should be accessible to local
utilities and have adequate on site scavenging services;
• parks and sites should be provided with adequate roads and parking areas with at least one parking
space per pitch and an appropriate number of additional spaces for visitors. Clear spacing in all
Elphin Local Area Plan 2009-2015 Page 136